Strategies vital for Cardinals to maintain success amidst challenging forthcoming schedule
The St. Louis Cardinals are primed for a grueling month, with a streak of 28 games in 29 days kicking off today. With high expectations set during their recent 19-8 triumphant run, it's crucial that the Cardinals play smart and manage their players effectively.
While a slump in their recent performances should be expected, it's important to maintain optimism and remember that a 114-win pace is unsustainable. But with this intense streak ahead, maintaining hope and performing well in June becomes vital to keep the playoff dreams alive.
Though their schedule seems to have lightened up overall this month, the grind could still wear them down if they aren't proactive. To tackle this challenge, the Cardinals should reintroduce their successful six-man rotation, but with a twist — Michael McGreevy should be the fresh face joining the starting lineup.
The Cardinals have shown in the past that a six-man rotation can help maintain the health and productivity of their starters. However, with a more demanding schedule ahead in June, this rotation strategy is key to ensuring the team's lasting strength.
If the Cardinals are to lose a reliever from their roster again, they can't afford to sacrifice Steven Matz. Matz has shined this season with a 2.16 ERA in 33.1 innings, playing the role of a Swiss Army knife, excelling in high-leverage spots, multi-inning relief duties, and occasional spot starts. For the Cardinals' bullpen to remain strong, they need Matz in top form, and that's best achieved by keeping him focused on relieving.
McGreevy, on the other hand, as a 10-start veteran for Memphis, is ready for a shot in the big leagues. In 50.2 innings with Memphis this year, McGreevy has a 3.02 ERA and 54 strikeouts. His Major League debut resulted in just one hit and one walk in 5.2 innings against the New York Mets. Across his career, McGreevy boasts a 1.57 ERA in five big league games.
Inserting McGreevy into the rotation now could offer him some crucial big-league playing time, potentially securing him a full-time role soon. With such an intense schedule on the horizon for the Cardinals, an injury or underperformance is bound to happen, making McGreevy's presence in the rotation all the more relevant.
Ideally, a healthy and performing rotation will keep the Cardinals competitive, placing them in a bind come July when it comes to deciding their starting roster. But for now, they need to focus on staying on track in June and ensuring their pitchers remain at their peak.
The Cardinals should consider implementing a six-man rotation with Michael McGreevy as the new addition to bolster their pitching staff, as a six-man rotation has proved effective in maintaining the health and productivity of their starters, especially during intense schedules such as the upcoming month-long streak.
Given McGreevy's impressive stats with Memphis and his successful Major League debut, his presence in the rotation could help the Cardinals compensate for potential injuries or underperformance during their grueling month, making him a valuable asset in their quest to secure playoff dreams.
